8 | | DECEMBER 2025By Sheila Mendez, VP and CIO, TXNM EnergyIN MY OPINIONSheila Mendez is the Vice President and Chief Information Officer for TXNM Energy, Inc., the parent company of PNM and TNMP. With over 35 years of experience in technology and 26 years in the utility industry, Sheila oversees the management, development and delivery of all business technology applications, infrastructure and architecture, telecommunications (data and voice), cyber and physical security, reliability standards compliance, critical infrastructure protection and crisis resilience management for TXNM Energy, PNM and TNMP. RESILIENCE, MODERNIZATION AND RESPONSIBLE AI IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION When I reflect on what has influenced my career growth and leadership philosophy, a few things come to mind. First, I truly believe that "learning is growing" and we should embrace opportunities that are presented, whether formal in nature or through collaboration and in the job learning. Keep current on industry changes and the impact of emerging technologies. Second, be responsible for managing my own career. I am willing to take risks and step out of my comfort zone to lead new departments or tackle high-visibility projects and initiatives for the company. I serve on national committees that strengthen my professional network, broaden my understanding at an industry level and provide me with diverse perspectives. Third, there is a true difference between being a servant leader compared to traditional management. It's a mindset shift of focusing on supporting and empowering the team members to perform their best, in contrast to the command-and-control mindset. By focusing on people and their growth potential verses just getting the tasks done, it leads to my team joining me on the journey ahead, not out of obligation but out of trust, belief and inspiration. Finally, my career is deeply rooted in community service leadership. I actively seek opportunities to serve as a board member for non-profit and professional organizations, advocating for a customer-centric approach. In the energy industry, this involvement reinforces the importance of our role in providing essential services for a clean energy future.Adaptive Resilience Through Cybersecurity and ModernizationWith the rising cyber threats and weather events utilities are facing, utilities should take an adaptive approach that blends cybersecurity, Sheila Mendez
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